USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Swampscott > Town annual report of Swampscott 1925 > Part 14
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The reimbursement to the town by the State amounts to $1,962.41, and in addition to this the State is in debt to Swampscott for $1,093.61, making a total of $3,056.02. These figures show what a large percent. of our appropriation is called for this year on State cases.
The unusual conditions that we have to take care of will require a much larger appropriation this year.
The financial and statistical reports will be found under the head- ing of the Secretary's report.
We would recommend that the town appropriate the sum of eight thousand dollars ($8,000.00) for the maintenance of the Poor De- partment for the ensuing year.
Respectfully submitted,
JOSEPH F. CROWELL, Chairman, EDMUND RUSSELL, Secretary, HARRY E. CAHOON,
December 31, 1925.
Overseers of the Poor.
172
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
SECRETARY'S REPORT
Persons having settlement in Swampscott aided by other cities and towns
30
Persons fully supported in Swampscott
19
Families partially supported in Swampscott
11
Men, women and children receiving aid from Swampscott, dur- ing 1925
124.
Settlement in Swampscott
73
Settlement elsewhere in State
11
State settlements
40
Persons aided in Swampscott in 1925
92
Persons fully supported in State hospital
2
1925 Appropriation
$7,200 00
1925 Overdraft
349 10
Total Expenditure
$7,549 10
Financial Report
Reimbursed by State
$1,962 41
Reimbursed by cities and towns
91 50
Due from State
1,093 61
Due from cities and towns
103 78
1925 bills due City of Lynn
828 59
Respectfully submitted,
EDMUND RUSSELL, Secretary.
+
-
OVERSEERS OF THE POOR
Budget for 1926
Salaries of Overseers
$ 350 00
Salary of Secretary
100 00
Telephone
40 00
General expense
7,510 00
$8,000 00
173
REPORT OF FIRE ENGINEERS
1925]
Report of Board of Fire Engineers
To the Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen :- The following is the report of the Board of Fire Engineers and the Chief of the Fire Department for the year ending December 31, 1925.
Important Notice
We would ask all persons discovering fires in buildings to ring the nearest box (if within reasonable distance) as it is quicker and more accurate than the telephone. If you think you must use the telephone be sure to ask for Emergency Breakers 82. Great delays have been caused and large losses suffered by simply asking Central for the fire department, which gives you Lynn instead of the Swamp- scott department.
Fire Alarm and Service Record
Swampscott box alarms
48
Lynn line boxes
5
All other Lynn calls
1
Marblehead calls
19
Telephone calls
150
Still alarms
11
Total
234
Under the mutual aid system Chemical 4 of Lynn responded to 30 Swampscott calls, Engine 2 of Marblehead to 2 Swampscott calls, Combination A of Swampscott to 26 Marblehead calls, Combination B to 4 Lynn calls and Combination C to 5 Lynn calls.
Hose, Ladders, Chemicals, etc., used at fires
21/2 inch hose laid
13,550 ft.
Chemical hose used
4,275 ft.
Total gallons chemical used
1,703
Ladders raised
798 ft.
Pyrenes used
3
Foamite used
4
Company drills
8
Hose tests
4
Hours of duty
134 hrs. 49 min.
Miles traveled
628
Combination A answered
105 calls
Combination B answered
64 calls
Combination C answered
68 calls
Service car answered
100 calls
174
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Valuation, Losses and Insurance
Value of buildings in which fires occurred $190,100 00
Damage to buildings in which fires occurred 12,322 00
Insurance on buildings in which fires occurred 179,800 00
Insurance paid on buildings in which fire occurred 12,322 00 None
Loss over insurance on buildings
Value of contents of buildings
37,500 00
Damage to contents of buildings
6,791 50
Insurance on contents of buildings
29,500 00
Insurance paid on contents of buildings
6,791 50
Loss over insurance on contents of buildings
None
There were also 10 automobile fires
10
Electric car
1
Traffic signal
1
Apparatus
The apparatus is in good condition and will require only the usual running repairs during the coming year.
We have secured a Porter automobile at a very low figure which was damaged in one of our fires, which Captain McNamara, our auto supervisor, and his helpers expect to make into a useful piece of apparatus at very little expense.
Large Hose
We have now 3,850 feet of 21/2 inch hose in good condition. We have recommended 500 feet additional this year.
Chemical Hose
We now have 700 feet of first class hose of this type.
Engine House
The Central Station will require painting and repair work, also new water heater during the coming year, and we have recommended an appropriation for the same.
The Phillips Beach station is in reasonably good condition, requir- ing only the usual upkeep repairs.
Fire Alarm System
There have been 56 alarms sent out over the system during the past year.
Three new boxes have been installed and two old boxes replaced by the latest type.
As the town has followed the policy during the past few years of replacing three of our old Stevens type boxes each year with the latest type Gamewell boxes, we have recommended the same this year.
175
REPORT OF FIRE ENGINEERS
1925]
We have also recommended new batteries and repairs at the Central station, as the old batteries are approaching the end of their useful- ness.
New Auto Law
New law regarding private autos at fires.
(Chapter 306)
An act further restricting the use of ways in case of fire.
Section 1. Chapter eighty-nine of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting after section six the following new section :- Section 6A. Every motorman of a car upon a street railway shall, upon the approach of any fire apparatus going to a fire or responding to an alarm, immediately stop said car and keep the same at a stand- still until such apparatus has passed. Violation of any provision of this section shall be punished by a fine of not more than twenty- five dollars.
Section 2. Said chapter eighty-nine is hereby further amended by inserting after section seven the following new section :- Section 7A. Upon the approach of any fire apparatus which is going to a fire or responding to an alarm, every person driving a vehicle on a way shall immediately drive said vehicle as far as possible toward the right-hand curb or side of said way and shall keep the same at a standstill until such fire apparatus has passed.
No person shall drive a vehicle within three hundred feet of any fire apparatus going to a fire or responding to an alarm, nor drive said vehicle, or park or leave the same unattended, within six hun- dred feet of a fire or within the fire-lines established thereat by the fire department. Violation of any provision of this section shall be punished by a fine of not more than twenty-five dollars.
Approved April 30, 1925.
Wooden Shingles a Fire Menace
We believe that a by-law should be enacted by the town prohibit- ing the use of wooden shingles on new roofs or large re-shingling jobs. The fire resisting type can be put on cheaper and a lower rate will be allowed on buildings by the Insurance companies where used.
Remarks
In cooperation with the movement to establish a national standard for 21/2 inch fire hose couplings we have altered all our couplings of that size to conform to that standard.
We wish to express our thanks to the Boy Scouts of the town for the good work they did in securing for us so many old brooms for use at grass fires.
This department cooperating with the School Department furnished speakers and held fire drills in the schools in observance of Fire Prevention Day, October 9.
176
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Recommendations, 1926
That the town appropriate $1,000 for hydrant rental.
That the town appropriate $400 for painting and repairs at the Central station.
That the town appropriate $375 for new fire alarm batteries and changes at the Central station.
That the town appropriate $480 to replace three of our old type fire alarm boxes with the modern Gamewell type.
That the town appropriate $500 for 500 feet 21/2 inch fire hose.
Respectfully submitted,
GEO. B. LEARNED, JAMES WARNOCK, BENJ. B. BLANCHARD, Board of Engineers.
JAMES WARNOCK, Chief of Department.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
Ring the nearest box for all fires in buildings, if within reasonable distance, as it is quicker and more accurate than the telephone.
If you feel you must use the telephone be sure to ask for Emergency Breakers 82.
Great delays have been caused and large losses suffered by simply asking "Central" for the Fire Department, which gives you Lynn, and not saying Emergency Breakers 82, Swampscott Fire Department.
177
REPORT OF MOTH SUPERINTENDENT
1925]
Report of Superintendent of Moth Work
To the Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen :- The usual accepted methods of moth suppression have been used the past year. In spite of faithful service there is a ten per cent. increase in the number of egg clusters this fall. How- ever, no trees were defoliated by the gypsy moth.
In one instance a number of apple trees on Salem street were stripped by the tent caterpillar, but they were discovered and sprayed before the usual territory sprayed was covered. Since the tent cat- erpillar precedes the gypsy moth by two or three weeks, unless it is called to our attention that they are feeding severely enough to cause defoliation, they have ample time to strip a tree or orchard before the spraying season for the gypsy moth is over.
In two other instances the satin moth caused stripping. A row of poplars on Harrison avenue, which have not needed spraying for some years, were found to be quite heavily infested, as was a willow on Superior street. Both colonies were sprayed and new foliage came out. By the middle of the summer the trees had outgrown the effects of the leaf feeders which were reduced in numbers, enough at least to allow the trees to hold their new leaves intact, which is most vital to all plant life.
Work done on private property is charged to the owners and they are given notice in accordance with Chapter 132 and Section 18 of the General Laws. The amount of moth tax was $1,805.13.
In the winter months the spraying is supplemented by creosoting egg clusters.
The Cape Cod section of the State is very severely infested, and since our prevailing winds are south and southwest it is logical to conclude that our territory is being supplied by wind-spread from the South Shore. Neighboring towns and cities along the North Shore report a twenty-five per cent. increase. Another contributing factor is the very low per cent, of parasitism which is reported by the United States government entomologists.
The usual winter work has been started and by spring I am con- fident the ground will be covered in the usual manner.
I recommend $5,000 for moth work the ensuing year, as follows:
178
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Salary and wages
$4,048 00
Telephone
Insecticides
18 00 300 00
Tools and supplies
5.0 00
Teams
200 00
Gasoline and oil
75 00
Water
50 00
Repairs
150 00
Storage
24 00
Hose
50 00
Printing
20 00
Express and freight
15 00
$5,000 00
Respectfully submitted,
EVERETT P. MUDGE, Superintendent of Moth Work.
December 31, 1925.
Report of the Forest Warden
To the Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen :- Weather conditions this year have helped quite ma- terially in keeping the woods fires confined to a small acreage. While the number of fires has been in excess of the previous year, the cost to extinguish has been less because the wet condition of the under- brush and soil at seasons when fires usually occur has retarded the spread over the surface as well as into the turf.
Twice during the year the State Forester sent out notices prohibit- ing the issuing of permits. However, rain came almost immediately and the public was inconvenienced very slightly.
Thirty-five fires have been reported on State blanks.
Two hundred eighty-nine fire permits have been issued.
The slash law has been enforced and "You Must Prevent Forest Fires" notices have been posted in all parts of the town.
For the ensuing year I recommend $200.
Respectfully submitted,
EVERETT P. MUDGE, Forest Warden.
December 31, 1925.
179
TREE WARDEN'S REPORT
1925]
Report of the Tree Warden
To the Citizens of Swampscott:
This year a severe wind storm struck the town in June and added to the damage done in August, 1924. Branches were broken and twisted. Two large trees were blown over, one a white ash opposite the Town Hall, the other an American elm on Burrill street, near Boynton. This destruction, coming as it did early in the summer, made it possible to clear up the debris and make repairs without an emergency appropriation. However, some work that was provided for in the annual budget has necessarily been left undone. Since the tree pruning is done in the summer and early fall all broken and injured limbs were attended to at that time.
One tree was bolted together on Crossman avenue, and an elm on Elmwood road was guyed and bolted.
Low limbs in the way of or endangering travel have been removed and wounds have been sterilized and painted. Dead wood was re- moved from trees at the lower end of the town.
The usual amount of work has been done on the leopard moth borer, particularly in trees less than thirty feet high, as it is im- practical to get at them in higher trees.
Leaf feeding insects have been controlled by spraying with arsenate of lead. An oil spray was used on the cottony maple scale. The results cannot be definitely determined until spring when the young will become active if alive.
Thirty-six trees have been removed for various reasons, such as being run into and destroyed by automobiles, being in the way of new sidewalks, blown over by gales, killed by adverse conditions, dying from disease or injury or because they were a hazard to travel.
Many trees have been straightened that from different causes were not plumb and detracted rather than added to the beauty of the neighborhood in their leaning condition.
Eighty-four new trees have been planted in different parts of the town to replace those removed, also to complete plantings previously started.
Tree guards have been adjusted and many old broken ones removed and discarded. New ones have been applied as far as the supply on hand would go.
180
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
The injury from electric light wires is at a minimum and condi- tions relative to tree grounds are very much improved the last two years since tree wire has been used.
No effects of escaping illuminating gas have been evidenced this year.
For the ensuing year I recommend as follows :-
Planting trees-
Essex street
25
$100 00
Millett road
25
100 00
Palmer estate
75
300 00
Replacements
100 00
Removing trees-
Beach Bluff avenue
3
125 00
Phillips street
2
150 00
Elsewhere
100 00
Tree guards
200 00
Leopard moths
200 00
Trimming and repairing
800 00
Tools and supplies
75 00
Spraying cottony maple scale
100 00
$2,350 00
Respectfully submitted,
December 31, 1925.
EVERETT P. MUDGE, Tree Warden.
181
REPORT OF SEALER WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
1925]
Report of Sealer of Weights and Measures
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen :- I herewith submit the report of this department from January 1, 1925, to December 31, 1925.
In the past year this department has tested, sealed or condemned all the various weighing and measuring devices and records made thereof.
Few complaints were received and upon investigation found to be of no serious nature and were satisfactorily adjusted.
Two sets of standard apothecary and metric glass graduates were added to the department equipment. The apothecary standards con- sist of six units from one ounce to thirty-two ounces. The metric standards consist of six units from twenty-five M. L. to one thou- sand M. L. and three pipettes and one dropper, all graduated in minims, one set to be used as office standards and the other set to be used in outside testing.
By the addition from time to time of new testing equipment the. department is in splendid shape to carry on the work required in an efficient manner.
Your Sealer attended the Sealers' convention at Salem where con- siderable information was gained.
INSPECTIONS AND REWEIGHING
Inspections of stores, scales, pumps, etc., were made from time to time. Package goods and commodities of different sorts were checked up as to their weight and labelling. Few errors were recorded, and these were mostly due to leaky containers. Gasoline pumps re- quired frequent testing and adjusting and some condemned for re- pairs from badly worn parts.
As a whole the law was complied with in a very satisfactory manner.
HAWKERS AND PEDDLERS
Business depression has caused an increase in licenses throughout the State. Citizens are again cautioned in their dealings with this class of tradesmen. Itinerant dealers should not be dealt with when their identity is unknown.
182
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
THE SEASON'S WORK
The work performed by this department will be found in the fol- lowing summary :-
Ad- justed
Con-
Sealed demned
Platform scales over 5,000 lbs
1
7
0
Platform scales under 5,000 lbs.
5
21
1
Counter scales over 100 lbs.
1
1
0
Counter scales under 100 lbs.
6
47
0
Beam scales over 100 lbs.
3
0
0
Spring scales over 100 lbs.
1
0
0
Computing scales
9
26
0
Personal scales
0
7
1
Prescription scales
0
4
0
Avoirdupois weights
5
246
0
Apothecary weights
0
58
2
Metric weights
0
41
0
Liquid measures
0
74
0
Dry measures
0
19
2
Gasoline pumps
11
30
4
Quantity stops
22
143
0
Yard measures
0
6
0
70
767
10
TRIAL WEIGHING
Tested
Correct
Under
Over
Flour in bags
19
18
1
0
Butter
45
45
0
0
Dry commodities
140
137
0
3
Meats and provisions
66
65
0
1
Fruits and vegetables
46
36
0
10
Bread
22
22
0
0
338
323
1
14
INSPECTIONS
Hawkers' and peddlers' licenses Itinerant vendors
2
Junk dealers
2
Cash on hand January 1, 1925
$ 2 20
Uncollected bills January 1, 1925
1 50
Sealing fees to December 31, 1925
66 34
Paid Treasurer
$70 04
$70 04
MISCELLANEOUS
This Department has now an up-to-date equipment, the equal of any of its size in the State. Most of the standards are expensive and delicate in construction and should be protected in some manner.
I recommend that the sum of $50 be appropriated to provide a suitable dust-proof glass case in which to keep these standards.
The compensation of the Sealer should be placed on the same standard as other towns of its size.
10
183
REPORT OF SEALER WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
1925]
I recommend that the salary of the Sealer be increased to $400 for the ensuing year.
In conclusion I desire to express my appreciation to all those who assisted in the discharge of my duties as Sealer.
Administration
I recommend for the ensuing year the following :---
Sealer of Weights and Measures
$400 00
Printing and books, etc.
30 00
Teaming and helper
100 00
Miscellaneous
25 00
Dust-proof case
$555 00 50 00
$605 00
Respectfully submitted,
December 31, 1925.
C. WALTER BURRILL, Sealer of Weights and Measures.
Report of Dog Officer
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
There have been thirty-four complaints investigated this year. Twenty-six dogs have been restored to their owners and fifty-five stray dogs have been taken care of. Have notified owners who have neglected to license their dogs, as called for in the public statutes. Dogs licensed, 326.
Respectfully submitted,
FRANK H. BRADFORD, Dog Officer.
December 31, 1925.
184
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Report of Building Inspector
Gentlemen :- I herewith submit the following report for the year ending December 31, 1925.
PERMITS ISSUED
Permits Issued
Estimated Cost
Dwellings: .
New
103
$1,004,390
Alterations
38
66,450
Garages (private) :
New
101
46,085
Alterations
11
5,910
Store Buildings:
New
1
20,000
Alterations
1
10,000
Schools
1
61,000
Churches
1
50,000
Stables, Sheds, Outbuildings:
New
7
12,025
Alterations
1
400
Elevators (freight)
2
(not estimated)
Total
267
$1,276,260
Number of inspections, 505
ELEVATOR OPERATORS' LICENSES ISSUED
No.
Fees
New
12
$12 00
Renewals
5
2 50
Deposited with Collector
$14 50
Hotels and elevators within the town have been inspected, and returns made to the State.
Notices and complaints of violations of the building laws have been personally investigated.
I wish to express my gratitude to the Health Officer, the Chief of the Fire Department, to builders, and other citizens for their helpful cooperation in the work of this department.
Respectfully submitted,
HARRY E. HARDY,
Building Inspector.
December 31, 1925.
1925]
Report of Police Department
Office of Acting Chief of Police, December 31, 1925.
To the Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen :- I herewith present a report of the work of the Swampscott Police Department for the year ending December 31, 1925.
Finance
RECEIPTS
Original appropriation $32,800 00
Special appropriation for police auto 1,200 00
Transferred from excess and deficiency fund 7,000 00
$41,000 00
EXPENDITURES
Total expenditures
40,948 51
Balance
$51 41
Persons Arrested
OFFENSES
Accosting and annoying a person of the opposite sex
1
Assault and battery
8
Assault with intent to rape
1
Assault, mutual
Assault with dangerous weapon
1
Breaking and entering
4
Breaking and larceny
1
Bribery
4
Child neglect
1
Committing unnatural act
2
Disorderly conduct
1 40
Delinquent children
3
For out of town police
97
Gaming and present at
14
Habitual school offenders
1
Larceny
9
Misappropriation of automobile
2
Manslaughter
1
Drunkenness
REPORT OF POLICE DEPARTMENT
185
186
TOWN DOCUMENTS [Dec. 31
Neglecting to confine or kill dog after notice
1
Non-support
6
Stubbornness
1
Throwing glass in the street
2
Violating auto laws
Allowing proper operation to be impeded with
3
Failing to stop on signal of officer
4
Overspeeding
169
Operating automobile while drunk
12
Operating automobile without a license
13
Operating automobile without a license or registration
8
Operating automobile without proper brakes
5
Operating automobile without proper lights
6
Operating automobile without proper number plates
3
Operating so as to endanger lives of public
3
Operating recklessly
1
Passing street car while discharging passengers
8
Passing to left of street car
4
Violating liquor laws
4
Total
Males 425
22
447
Disposition of Cases
Appealed cases
10
Committed to House of Correction
13
Committed to Concord Reformatory
1
Committed to Lyman School
1
Committed to Shirley Industrial School
7
Defaulted
11
Delivered to out of town police
97
Discharged by court
7
Discharged without complaint
13
Filed on payment of costs
13
Fined and paid
199
Placed on file
38
Placed on probation
12
Released out of court
13
Suspended sentences
12
Total
447
Amount of fines imposed by court
$3,431
Miscellaneous Business
Accidents reported 119
Ambulance calls
Responding to fires
51
Conveying sick and injured to hospital 43
447
Females
1925]
REPORT OF POLICE DEPARTMENT
187
Miscellaneous calls
187
Assisting other officers
37
Automobiles stolen
10
Automobiles recovered
10
Automobiles recovered for other police
6
Buildings found open and secured
65
Bicycles reported lost or stolen
13
Bicycles recovered
7
Complaints investigated
915.
Cases of breaking, entering and larceny
23
Cases of entering and nothing taken; also attempts to enter
10
Defective streets and sidewalks reported
33
Dogs reported lost or stolen
72
Dogs returned to owner or dog officer
44
Dogs shot by officers
7
Dogs killed by automobiles
11
Dog complaints
56
Goods reported lost or stolen
164
Goods recovered
65
Health officer notified of dead animals in streets
23
Houses reported temporarily closed
16
Lights furnished for dangerous places
18
Lights extinguished in buildings
34
Lights reported out in streets
119
Lost and missing persons returned to parents
42
Officers notifying fire department of fires
12
Persons reported missing
20
Poles and trees reported on fire or damaged
17
Search warrants for liquor served
6
Street obstructions removed
9
Suicides and attempted suicides
4
Value of property reported lost or stolen
$13,019 00
Value of property recovered
$10,929 87
Water and gas leaks reported
8
Wires reported down or defective
31
Expense Budget for 1926
The figures given below are sums which I consider necessary to properly operate the Police Department for one year, to December 31, 1926.
Salaries
$39,467 45
Telephones and signals
830 92
Gas and electricity
175 00
Coal and wood
265 00
Gas, oil and motor supplies
875 00
Miscellaneous expenses
1,805 00
Total
$43,418 37
Allow
$43,500 00
188
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
General Remarks
Although the station house of the Police Department has been painted and repaired, and new furniture and equipment added, I believe that sometime in the near future the town of Swampscott should build a new police station and equip it with a lock-up. This year a garage should be built in which to keep the new ambulance and the police automobile, the motorcycles and bicycles. The addi- tion of a new ambulance and a police automobile was a wise pro- cedure and both are working well. Without either the work of the department would necessarily be delayed and curtailed.
We have made an addition of one new motorcycle, which now makes two motorcycles in the possession of the Police Department, and these machines have increased the efficiency of the work of the force. We have also bought two new bicycles, fully equipped with lights to conform with the laws, and we find that they have been a great asset, as the officers can cover twice as much ground as they could by patroling a beat on foot. Yellow paint for traffic zones in the streets has also been substituted for the white paint formerly in use, as it costs less, is more conspicuous and lasts longer. Gaso- line and oil are being bought at wholesale instead of at retail as formerly, which means a saving in the course of one year.
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